Mud Fever Virgin - need all you experts please!

[shelly018]

I've been lucky enough never to have a horse suffer from this - until now!

I got my chap in May (coloured cob x w/blood). He has lived out 24/7 for the past 2 years and has had all his feathers etc clipped off. Previous loanee said he had had a bit of mud fever last winter, but nothing bad.

I noticed about 2 weeks ago that he had a scabs in in off fore and hind, but the other two legs were fine. I massaged sudacream into them and the scabs fell off and all was well. However, over the last week they have come back. I bought some cream from saddlery (can't think of the name now, but friend swears by it) and massaged it in in a circular motion and the scabs fell off easily, so was hoping all was going well.

However, have gone down tonight and his fore leg between the heal and the fetlock looks swollen, although no real heat. I have kept the legs dry, brushed off any mud and not washed them at all. So, I presume the next stage, is to bring him in overnight and keep treating it the same way??

Advice please!!!

 

[zizz]

I know i am going to sound like an advertisment, but having two horses with both white socks and feet mud fever used to be a real problem for me even in summer. I have been feeding NAF mud gaurd on a reccomendation for two and a bit years now and have not had a single case of mud fever in that time. it cleared up the skin after in less than a month and mine live out in boggy dorset clay so i would deffo reccomend you try it.

its also a hell of alot cheaper than trying a new product every week and no mess involved.

And no i don't work for NAF!!!!!!!!

 

[custard]

Get some Thermatex leg wraps and put them on at night. If it's mild then they will usually get better from this alone. If not I have another failsafe method!

 

[buddly]

hi
i notice your in whiltshire who are your vets? willesley do a mud fever cream that is really good or try flamazine cream though the one willesley do is cheaper!!
but you will still need to keep as clean and dry as poss... i used willesleys cream and it really does work well

 

[shelly018]

Have had some good advice, so thanks to all!

Don't use the Willersley, but if it gets worse will give them a call.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I expect you know it's caused by a bacteris Shel so if it's persistent, you need to get rid of the bacteria. Hibiscrub does the job and then barrier creams/bandages can help prevent a recurrence. But you do have to diligently pick all the scabs off as that's where the bacteria lurk. Happy Hibbing!!!

 

[Vicki_Krystal]

i agree, the NAF mudguard is definatly worth a try.
it worked on mine

 

[AmyMay]

Udder salve, all over the legs. Protects and heals!

 

[henryhorn]

Usually once they start swelling there is an ainfection brewing, and you may end up giving him a course of antibiotics or ask your vet to make up some cream with them in , apply, cover the legs with clingfilm and bandage over the top. leave 24 hours and when you take them off all the scabs should be in the cream and not on the horse.
Once the scabs have gone and the legs healed keratex keeps it at bay.
I have also used athletes foot cream/powder but it's not a cheap method.
Perhaps invest in some gaiter things to keep his legs dry for a few weeks until you get on top of it.

 

[Loupride]

I second HHs advice

it was recommended to me in the past and it worked a treat on Pride! Actually Im sure HH has cured alot of mud rash on HHO at this stage

 

[Theresa_F]

I find for getting rid of scabs, 1 tablespoon of sudocream, 1 teaspoon of sulphur and 5 drops of teatree oil mixed together and rubbed in works well - also great for grease on hairy horses.

I have had good results on those horses without the gift of thick feather with using pig oil and sulphur which provides a barrier, sulphur is excellent for skin condition and the oil makes mud slips off easily. Friend's arab never had it once when she started using it.

I have never had a problem with thick feathered horses having mud fever providing you oil up and don't wash out the legs - washing causes more problems than anything for hairies in winter.

 

[ouzebeck]

Hi i always use baby oil on legs to prevent mud rash and in the four years i have had my mare it has always worked.